Kalkaska County Recreational Plan

Transcription

2013-2017
Kalkaska County
Recreation Plan
Draft February 2013
DRAFT
Prepared by:
Northwest Michigan Council of Governments
PO Box 506
Traverse City MI 49685-0506
231-929-5000
www.nwm.org
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This page intentionally left blank
2013-2017
Kalkaska County Recreation Plan
Kalkaska County Board
Prepared By:
Stuart McKinnon, Chair
Patty Cox
Rodney Guy
Alan Hart
Debra Kimball
Jim Mosher
Kohn Fisher
DRAFT
Kalkaska County Parks and
Recreation Committee
Mark Randolph
Deb Ball-Odeh
Cal Benke
Bob Burgin
Steven Cameron
Bob Fenton
Rodney Guy
Christopher Helberg
Dave Heymes
Deb Hill
Penny Hill
Debra Kimball
Margaret Kramer
Lou Nemeth
Jeff Sieting
Tom Sheneman
Dawn Moses
Ken Waichunas
2
DRAFT
Contents
Introduction ...................................................................................................................................... 1
Chapter 1: Community Description ..................................................................................................... 3
History ....................................................................................................................................................... 3
Population & Demographics ..................................................................................................................... 3
Land Use & Planning ................................................................................................................................ 9
Transportation Systems .......................................................................................................................... 11
Natural Features ..................................................................................................................................... 12
Chapter 2: Administrative Structure ................................................................................................. 19
Chapter 3: Recreation Inventory ....................................................................................................... 21
Kaliseum .................................................................................................................................................. 23
Kalkaska County Civic Center & Fairgrounds .......................................................................................... 24
DRAFT
Kalkaska Area Recreational Trail ............................................................................................................. 26
Log Lake Campground ............................................................................................................................. 27
Rugg Pond Natural Area .......................................................................................................................... 29
County Road Ends ................................................................................................................................... 31
Regional Recreational Assets .................................................................................................................. 32
Chapter 4: Planning & Public Input ................................................................................................... 36
Public Input ............................................................................................................................................. 36
Kalkaska County Master Plan .................................................................................................................. 37
2008 Regional Non-Motorized Transportation Plan ............................................................................... 38
Chapter 5: Goals, Objectives, & Action Program ................................................................................ 43
Vision ....................................................................................................................................................... 43
Goals, Objective, and 2013-2017 Action Program .................................................................................. 44
APPENDICES
2012 Kalkaska County Recreation Questionnaire – Report and Results ....................................................
Legal Notices ...............................................................................................................................................
Approval Documentation ............................................................................................................................
DRAFT
Introduction
Kalkaska County, located in the northwestern
portion of Michigan’s lower peninsula, is a
rural, thickly forested county with 86 lakes and
over 275 miles of streams and rivers. One of
the County’s many assets is recreation, with
countless year-round opportunities for
activities like camping, hiking, fishing golf,
hunting, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or
simply enjoying nature. Spring and summer
provide a background for community events
like the Trout Festival and the Kalkaska County
Fair, along with popular outdoor activities like
fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Autumn
color tours and hunting season draw visitors
and residents alike to Kalkaska’s forest areas,
while winter snows bring snowmobiling, skiing,
ice fishing, and dogsled, making Kalkaska
County a four-season playground. These
recreation opportunities, along with the
County’s rural character, are key elements in
Kalkaska County’s economy and quality of life.
The County’s lakes, rivers, forests, trails,
community
events,
and
recreation
programming provide other benefits as well.
Recreation activities and events bring residents
and visitors together, fostering opportunities
for cultural activities, education, and civic
engagement. They promote public health and
wellness by encouraging opportunities for
physical activity, which is critical in staying
healthy, reducing stress, fighting obesity, and
preventing chronic health conditions. Parks and
trails are also safe options for non-motorized
transportation—which is especially important
for those that don’t own a car or can’t drive
due to age, disability, or income.
DRAFT
Parks also act, increasingly, as economic
drivers, raising property values, drawing new
residents to the community, and encouraging
new development and tourism. Because of the
important role it plays in the community’s
quality of life and desirability, recreation
Recreation: An Important Economic Asset
At their most basic, parks, recreation facilities, and community events provide an environment in
which residents and visitors can gather and interact in an informal setting; but parks also provide a
number of health and economic benefits to the community:
Recreation opportunities attract visitors, increasing local tourism revenues.



Demographic groups with expendable income and significant amounts of leisure time, such as
retirees and young professional, often relocate to communities with a “recreation oriented”
lifestyle and a high quality of life.
National studies have shown that improvements to parks, civic spaces, and trails can encourage
new development or redevelopment.
Property values tend to increase in direct proportion to their proximity to parks and trails.
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

improvements and enhancements support and
encourage—and in some cases, create—new
investment and economic development.
Chapter 4, Planning and Public Input,
explains how public input was gathered
and used in developing and prioritizing
recreation goals, objectives, and action
program, and identifies recreation goals of
existing county plans for consideration and
in goals, objectives, and actions.
Chapter 5, Goals, Objectives, and Action
Program describes proposed recreation
goals and improvements, and suggests
specific implementation activities to
achieve those goals.
DRAFT
To help guide future recreation improvements
and enhancements, the Kalkaska County Parks
and Recreation Commission initiated an update
to the Kalkaska County Recreation Plan in 2012.
This Recreation Plan is intended to identify the
County’s highest recreation priorities and to
offer an implementation road map for the
recreation goals and objectives identified by
the community throughout the various
planning efforts. The Plan is organized as
follows:



Chapter 1, Community Description, includes
information regarding the County’s
population, natural features, and other
community information. The intent of this
section is to provide a context for the plan
that will assist in establishing goals.
Chapter 2, Administrative Structure,
summarizes the process through which
recreation decisions are made.
Chapter 3, Recreation Inventory itemizes
the County’s existing recreational facilities.
DNR Recreation Planning Guidelines
This Plan was developed according to the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Guidelines for the Development of Community
Park, Recreation, Open Space, and Greenway
Plans.
Through its recreation grants program,
currently funded through the Michigan Natural
Resources Trust Fund and the federal Land and
Water Conservation Fund, the Michigan
Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
provides financial assistance to communities
that would like to purchase land for parks, or
are planning to improve or develop recreation
facilities.
To be eligible to apply for these grant
programs, a community must have a 5-year
recreation plan, approved by the DNR, that
meets certain requirements. This Recreation
Plan was developed to comply with all MDNR
requirements for recreation plans.
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Chapter 1: Community Description
Kalkaska County is located in the northwestern
part of the Lower Peninsula. It is bounded on
the north by Antrim County, on the south by
Missaukee County, the east by Crawford
County, and the west by Grand Traverse County.
With over 275 miles of streams and rivers, and
with at least 85 lakes, Kalkaska is a prime area
for fishing and boating activities. Its abundance
of forest land and trails offer additional
opportunities for camping, hiking, hunting,
snowmobiling, cross country skiing, or just
enjoying nature in its pristine state.
History
By 1910 the County’s population had reached
8,097 people and 842 farms.
Population & Demographics
In 2010, the population of Kalkaska County was
17,153. In terms of population, the County is
ranked 66th out of the 83 counties in Michigan.
The majority of the population growth in the
County is attributable to domestic migration,
rather than a natural increase (births minus
DRAFT
The state of Michigan was admitted to the
union in 1837; soon afterward it was divided
into unofficial counties, including Grand
Traverse County, which originally included
Kalkaska County. The original name given to
Kalkaska in 1840 was Wabassee, after a
Potawatomi Indian Chief, three years later the
county was renamed Kalkaska. The name may
be derived from a Chippewa Indian word
meaning, “burned over” or “a flat table of
land.” Kalkaska County was officially organized
as a county in 1871; the Village of Kalkaska was
designated as the County seat in 1872.
The first white settler to the area, English-born
William Copeland, settled near Round Lake in
1855; he and his family remained the only
settlers in the area until after the Civil War.
Other settlers searching for farmland began
arriving in 1866, and by 1870, the population of
the county reached 424 people, with 51 farms.
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Table 1. Historical Population
Characteristics for Kalkaska County: 1890 to
2010 (source: US Census)
Census
Population Population
Year
change from
previous Census
1890
5,160
1900
7,133
38.2%
1910
8,097
13.5%
1920
5,577
-31.1%
1930
3,799
-31.9%
1940
5,159
35.8%
1950
4,597
-10.9%
1960
4,382
-4.7%
1970
5,272
20.3%
1980
10,952
107.7%
1990
13,497
23.2%
2000
16,571
22.8%
2010
17,153
3.5%
DRAFT
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Community Description
deaths). The County has a population density
of approximately 30 people per square mile.
Kalkaska county has fluctuated by as much as
35% for approximately 80 years between 1890
and 1970. In 1980, the county’s population
increased to twice its size due to new
discoveries of oil and gas reserves. Modest
increases in population have continued into the
year 2010.
The majority of the County’s population is
located in the north and west sectors, with the
Village of Kalkaska having the highest density.
Table 2. Population Characteristics for Northwest
Counties of Michigan: 2000 to 2010 (source: US Census)
Northwest Lower
Michigan
Antrim County
Benzie County
Charlevoix County
Emmet County
Grand Traverse Co.
Kalkaska County
Leelanau County
297,912
23,580
17,525
25,949
32,694
86,986
17,153
21,708
5.8%
2%
9.5%
-0.5%
4%
12%
3.5%
2.8%
Manistee County
Missaukee County
Wexford County
24,733
14,849
32,735
0.8%
2.6%
7.4%
Between
2000-2010,
Kalkaska
County
experienced increases in all age ranges 45 years
and over. However, even as those aged 45 or
older increased, there were simultaneous
decreases in all age ranges below 45, with
accompanying shifts in household size and
type. These age changes are also reflected in
the declining numbers of family households in
the County. The number of family households
in Kalkaska County (including husband-wife
families) declined about 6% between 20002010; while the number of families with
children declined by 10% during that time
DRAFT
Age and Household Characteristics
As the baby boomers—the country’s largest
demographic group—reaches retirement age,
the nation’s population as a whole increases in
age. Because of its desirability as a retirement
destination for many residents, this trend is
exacerbated in Kalkaska County, where the
population tends to be older than state or
national averages. The median age of Kalkaska
County is 43 years old, compared to the
median age statewide (38.9 years).
Table 3. Change in Kalkaska County Age Cohorts, 2000-2010 (Source: US Census)
Age Cohort
Preschool (Under 5)
School Age (5 to 19)
Young Adult (20 to 34)
Adult (35 to 64)
Older Adult (65+ )
2010 Population
1,043
3,237
2,606
7,430
2,837
Median Age
43
2010% of
Total
6.1
18.9
15.2
43.3
16.5
Change 2000 2000 Population 20120
1,068
-25
3,596
-359
2,840
-234
6,789
641
2,278
559
% Change 20002010
38
13.2
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5
-2.3
-29.7
-12.8
79.3
62.5
period.
Different populations have different recreation
needs and interests. As such, when planning for
recreation facilities, the community’s growth
trends, age, and income levels are important
factors to consider. As individuals age, needs
increase for facilities that accommodate
passive recreation such as walking. Barrier-free
access to recreation is particularly important
for an aging population, and the provision of
barrier-free
and
universally
accessible
recreation will become an increasingly high
priority as the population ages.
Passive
recreation opportunities, such as walking
paths, also increase in importance for an aging
population.
County’s total population (23%). Youthoriented recreation opportunities will continue
to be important for both current residents and
as an amenity to draw new families to the
County.
Income
In addition to age considerations, it’s also
important to ensure that activities and
amenities in the community are within the
financial means of the majority of residents.
The American Community Survey (ACS) reports
that 2011 per capita income is $19,685,
compared to $25,482 statewide per capita
income. The median household income in the
County is $39,130, below the state’s median
household income of $48,669.
DRAFT
Despite declining numbers of children and
family households, individuals under the age of
18 make up nearly a quarter of Kalkaska
Poverty rates are also higher than statewide
rates. According to the ACS, 12.3% of families
Table 4. Breakdown/Change in Age Groups, Kalkaska County, 2000-2010 (Source: US Census)
Age
2000 Population
2010 Population Change
% Change
2010 % of Cohort
Under 5 years
1,043
1,068
25
2.3%
6.4%
5 to 9 years
1,040
1,188
148
12.5%
7.2%
10 to 14 years
1,106
1,253
147
11.7%
7.6%
15 to 19 years
1,091
1,155
64
5.5%
7.0%
20 to 24 years
818
835
17
2.0%
5.0%
25 to 34 years
1,788
2,005
217
10.8%
12.1%
35 to 44 years
2,123
2,729
606
22.2%
16.5%
45 to 54 years
2,799
2,249
-550
-24.5%
13.6%
55 to 59 years
1,335
962
-373
-38.8%
5.8%
60 to 64 years
1,173
849
-324
-38.2%
5.1%
65 to 74 years
1,735
1,342
-393
-29.3%
8.1%
75 to 84 years
865
729
-136
-18.7%
4.4%
85 years &over
237
207
-30
-14.5%
1.2%
Total
17,153
16,571
-582
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in the County live in poverty, compared to
11.1% of families statewide; while about 20%
of families with children in Kalkaska County live
in poverty, versus 18.2% statewide. For all
people in the County, the poverty rate is about
16.5%; 15.7% of all people in Michigan live in
poverty.
Land Use & Planning
In numerical terms, Kalkaska County is about
89% “natural areas,” 11% agricultural land,
1.39% residential, and just under 1% combined
commercial and industrial. The majority of
undeveloped land is forested; over 282,595
acres of land in Kalkaska County are forested
Land use/cover relationship in 1978).
use, it is the principal land use in the middle of
the county, and is visually expressive of the
county’s heritage. ousing is affordable, which is
important. Housing types vary, which also
makes the county accommodating to residents,
second homeowners, and visitors alike.
Commercial and industrial sites are located
along highway corridors, especially near the
Village. Kalkaska County is not an urban place,
nor does it want to be. Kalkaska County wants
to retain its rustic and outdoor playground
atmosphere. “
DRAFT
According to the 2010 Kalkaska Master Plan,
“Kalkaska County is a rural, recreation-oriented
place filled with pristine rivers, rich forests, and
open farmland.
Urban development is
generally found in the Village and in the
western townships. The eastern townships
contain more forest cover and have cottage-like
development patterns. State-owned land is
prominent throughout the county, especially in
the east and northwest areas. This amount of
public land allows for vast recreation, especially
snowmobiling, hunting, camping, and ATV
riding. The Rapid River, the Boardman River,
and the Manistee River highlight the natural
corridors and provide for a multitude of
recreation, especially fishing and canoeing.
Although agriculture is not the dominant land
Recreation is a primary focus of the 2010
Master Plan, with recognition of the significant
impact that natural resources provide on the
County’s recreation opportunities, and
subsequently, quality of life and economy. The
Master Plan designates three districts—Forest
Areas, Recreation Stream Corridor, and Special
Purpose Areas—as land use areas that should
primarily focus on recreation (see Chapter 4,
Planning & Public Input, for a summary of
recommendations regarding recreation).
Zoning
Local governments in the County include the
twelve (12) townships of Bear Lake, Blue Lake,
Boardman, Clear Water, Cold Springs, Excelsior,
Garfield, Kalkaska, Oliver, Orange, Rapid River,
and Springfield; and the incorporated village of
Kalkaska. Kalkaska County administers zoning
for eight townships; while Garfield, Blue Lake,
Clearwater, and Boardman Township maintain
and administer zoning locally. The County,
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DRAFT
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along with locally-zoned townships, each have
an established zoning ordinance from which
the zoning administrator and planning
commission make their implementation and
enforcement decisions.
Each of these
communities provide allowances for public and
private park and recreational facilities.
Kalkaska County provides for recreation
activities in a number of zoning districts,
including the Forest-Recreational Districts and
Resort-Recreational
Districts.
Various
recreational activities are allowed as permitted
and special uses in a variety of districts.
residents within the County is by automobile,
via a connection of state and county highways.
Michigan State Highways in the County include
M-72 that travels east-west, connecting the
County to Grayling to the east and Traverse
City to the west; US-131 which provides access
to Antrim County to the north and Wexford
County to the south; and M-66 that provides
access to Missaukee County to the south and
merges with US-131 in the Village of Kalkaska.
These facilities are maintained by the Michigan
Department of Transportation through a
contract with the Kalkaska County Road
Commission. In addition, there are many
County roads throughout the area that are
maintained by the Road Commission.
DRAFT
The Kalkaska County Planning Commission
administers County zoning for townships under
its zoning jurisdiction, but also serves as an
advisory and oversight body to review and
make recommendations relative to zoning and
land use issues within communities that
administer their own zoning.
The
recommendations are non-binding and serve to
guide the discussions and decision making
processes of the local governments.
Any recreational expansion or newly-created
recreational facilities should be coordinated
with the community to insure appropriate
location for the proposed activity, and
consistency with the township or village master
plan and zoning ordinance.
Snowmobiles and off-road vehicles (ORVs) are
authorized to use road shoulders on County
road rights-of-way. A number of motorized
trails are available on public land (see Chapter
3, Recreation Inventory).
Transportation Systems
Public Transportation
Roads, Highways, and Motorized Trails
The primary mode of transportation for
The Kalkaska Public Transportation Authority
(KPTA) offers transportation opportunities by
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bus through individual reservations and some
fixed route service. This service operates five
days a week to provide rural communities
convenient, predictable and affordable
transportation.
throughout Kalkaska County (see Chapter 3,
Recreation Inventory). The Kalkaska Area
Recreation Trail, an off-road, non-motorized
transportation facility in the Village of Kalkaska,
provides a 2-mile loop for residents.
Air and Rail Service
Natural Features
DRAFT
The Kalkaska Village Airport is located in the
southwest corner of the Village of Kalkaska,
and is owned and operated by the Village. The
airport includes a paved runway that runs from
northwest to southeast. The airport does not
include amenities found at larger airports, but
does provide an important service for area
industries and tourists who use the facility for
light aircraft landings. Commercial and
passenger air service is provided by Cherry
Capital Airport located in the southern portion
of the City of Traverse City.
A rail line runs north-south through Kalkaska
County, bisecting the Village of Kalkaska. Rail is
used only to serve industrial freight needs at
this time.
Non-Motorized Transportation
A number of non-motorized trails are available
The natural resources of Kalkaska County are
vital to the economic health and sense of well
being of area citizens. Local government,
manufacturing, the oil and gas industry, the
retail trade and tourism are the major
employment sectors within the county. With
more than 275 miles of streams and rivers and
85 inland lakes, seasonal tourism and
recreation activities provide jobs and
contribute to the overall economic well being
of the county.
Topography
Kalkaska County is located over a geologic
formation known as the Salina-Niagaran Reef.
The county is 7,000 feet above one of the most
successful oil producing basins in the state. Oil
and gas are produced from fields scattered all
across the county.
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Kalkaska County is generally classified as hillland, plains and upland plains. Level to gently
rolling hills and slopes cover the mid-section of
the county. Hills and ridges run through the
east half and northwest section with elevations
from 1,000 to 1,400 feet above sea level. A
plateau divides the watershed in the county
from the Manistee River to the southeast and
the Boardman and Rapid Rivers to the
northwest.
permeability, somewhat excessively drained
sands with seasonal high water tables of more
than six feet. Slopes in these soils range from 035%, with woodland and cropland as dominant
uses.
DRAFT
Soils
The natural drainage, texture, slope can affect
the suitability of sighting recreational areas.
There are about fifty types of soil found in
Kalkaska County with five predominate soil
classifications. Predominate soil types are
sands including:
 Graycalm sand
 Grayling sand
 Rubicon sand
 Kalkaska sand
 Islandlake sand
All predominant soil types exhibit rapid
Vegetation
Forested areas make up the majority of the
county, with 282,592 acres of forestland versus
82,513 acres that are nonforested.
204,863 acres are forested with deciduous
trees and shrubs. 77,729 acres are forested
with coniferous trees and shrubs. Native trees
include birch, oak, beech, white, red and jack
pine, black and white spruce, balsam fir,
hemlock, tamarack, red and white cedar, ash,
elm, basswood, walnut, cherry, juniper, aspen
and several species of maple.
Visitors from all over come to Kalkaska’s forests
to camp, hike, or pursue other recreational
activities. From an economic perspective,
forest-based industries, recreation, and
tourism support hundreds of jobs countywide,
acting a significant component of the area’s
Page 13
a multimillion-dollar sport, which helps to fund
the conservation of natural resources across
the state.
economy.
Water Resources
Kalkaska County has over 273 miles of rivers
and streams. The county also contains more
than 86 lakes for a total water area of 6,848
acres of 1.9 percent of the total surface area.
Highly popular with permanent and seasonal
residents alike, much of the county’s
residential recreation activity has occurred
near the county’s lakes or rivers. Fishing has
long been a popular activity in Kalkaska due to
the high quality of the County’s rivers.
Kalkaska’s quality and abundant fishing
opportunities have even provided literary
inspiration, inspiring and appearing in Ernest
Hemingway’s “Nick Adams” stories.
Wildlife
The Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
enforces the hunting and conservation laws
within the area, and issues licenses for the
hunting of game animals, game birds, and furbearing animals. Approximately 1,000,000
people participate in hunting activities within
the state throughout the year. An additional
16,000 people have a fur harvester’s license.
Popular game animals and birds in the county
include deer, bear, wild turkey, waterfowl,
woodcock, grouse, coyote, and fox.
DRAFT
Whitetail deer, bobcats, rabbits, fox, skunks,
porcupines, coyote, black bear, opossum,
weasel, mink, beaver, otter, squirrels, badgers,
woodchuck, muskrat and numerous species of
birds are found in Kalkaska County. Hunting
was a part of life in the area long before
Michigan became a state; and today, hunting is
Climate
Lake Michigan provides the dominant climatic
influence on the area. Located within the
“snow belt,” Kalkaska County’s temperatures
vary from approximately 26 sub-zero days in
the winter to about 8 days of above 90ºF days
during the summer.
Spring and fall
temperatures range from 40ºF to 70ºF.
Average annual rainfall is 31 inches, and
snowfall averages 126 inches (10.5 ft).
November is usually the beginning of
permanent snow accumulation, ending in late
March to early April. The annual growing
season is 110 days.
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Chapter 2: Administrative Structure
Kalkaska County Board of Commissioners
The Kalkaska County Board consists of seven
members that are elected by the public every
four years. The County Board adopts budgets,
approves contracts, adopts policies, and
oversees staff. Budgets, planning, staffing, and
other issues related to parks, recreation, and
other County facilities are also overseen by the
Council.
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
The Kalkaska County Parks and Recreation
Advisory Committee is a group that provides
recommendations to the County Board of
Commissioners on recreation programming and
activities. Membership on the group is open.
Staff & Volunteers
Parks are maintained by both seasonal and
year-round
employees.
Two
full-time
employees, including a director and
adnministrative assistant, are employed at the
Kaliseum, which also employs 21 part-time
employees. A part-time caretaker is employed
seasonally to manage Log Lake Campground.
Maintenance at other parks is handled
primarily by Department of Public Works staff.
A seasonal part-time employee provides lawnmaintenance in the summer.
DRAFT
Planning Commission
The County Planning Commission is a 7member body appointed by the County Board
to administer the County Zoning Ordinance,
create plans, and serve in an advisory role on
various planning issues.
Some maintenance activities are conducted by
community service programs through the
County jail.
Volunteers
provide
maintenance
for
landscaping on the KART Trail. Additionally, a
local garden club provides flowers at locations
throughout the community and along the trail.
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Funding & Budgeting
Funding for parks and recreation activities
comes from the County’s general fund, with
specific budgets for parks and recreation; Log
Lake Campground; and the Kaliseum (see
Appendix C for detailed budgets).
$24,566 was budgeted for general parks and
recreation activities in 2013. $22,115 was
budgeted for Log Lake Campground, which is
funded by a combination of user fees and rent.
$611,929 was budgeted for 2013 for the
Kaliseum. An operational millage partially funds
the maintenance and operations of the
Kaliseum; the millage was approved in 2012
and will expire in 2016. User fees, donations,
rentals, and program fees fund the remainder
of the Kaliseum’s operating expenses.
Grants
DRAFT
A cell tower is currently located on the
recreational grounds of the Civic Center and
Kaliseum. Per State of Michigan requirements,
the County is not eligible to apply for state
recreation funding until the cell tower has been
removed from the property/relocated, or an
additional, adjacent acre of land has been
added to the recreational complex.
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Chapter 3: Recreation Inventory
Kalkaska County has eight public parks
including Kaliseum, Civic Center/Fairgrounds,
the KART Trail, Log Lake Campground, and
Rugg Pond Natural Area, as well as numerous
road ends that provide public access to lakes
throughout the County.
The Recreation Inventory provides discussion
on the County’s recreation facilities, and their
place in the community, as well as parks and
recreation facilities surrounding the Village.
Included for each facility is a summary of public
input relative to the park, received through the
Recreation Plan questionnaire or public
meetings. The inventory also includes an
assessment of the accessibility of the park to
people with disabilities, based on criteria
provided in the MDNR Guidelines for the
Development of Community Park, Recreation,
Open Space, and Greenways Plan. The
assessment considers the accessibility of both
the facilities themselves, as well as the access
routes to them.
them. Please see Appendix A.
Ranking system:
1 = none of the facilities/park areas meet
accessibility guidelines
2 = some of the facilities/park areas meet
3 = most of the facilities/park areas meet
DRAFT
4 = the entire park meets accessibility
guidelines
5 = the entire park was developed/renovated
using the principals of universal design
Because of their importance to residents, the
inventory also identifies parks and recreation
facilities found regionally.
The Accessibility Assessments for the Kalkaska
County Parks were based upon criteria
provided in the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources’ Guidelines for the
Development of Community Park, Recreation,
Open Space, and Greenways Plans – An
assessment of the accessibility of each park to
people with disabilities. This assessment must
consider the accessibility of both the facilities
themselves, as well as the access routes to
Page 21
activities are coordinated, and…
DRAFT
Page 22
Recreation Inventory
Kaliseum
The Kaliseum is an indoor recreational complex
that provides space for spectator events,
aquatic sports, ice rink and other athletic and
community activities. The Kaliseum was built in
1999, with funding from a millage and grants.
Maintenance and operational costs are funded
by user/membership fees and an operational
millage approved in 2012, which will provide
funding through 2016.
About 39% of Recreation Questionnaire
respondents indicated that they use the
facility, and about the same percentage—40%
of total respondents—answered that they are
satisfied with the facility. However, usage rates
and satisfaction levels vary for the different
facilities within the Kaliseum. Higher usage and
satisfaction rates were identified for the pool,
while the multi-purpose room received the
lowest satisfaction rates. Numerous comments
provided suggestions for improvements, with a
focus on maintenance, improvements to the
fitness room, and multi-purpose room.
DRAFT
A wide range of activities are held at the
Kaliseum, including a variety of exercise
classes, educational programs, hockey and
roller derby games, pickleball, community
meetings, and concerts. All of the Kaliseum’s
amenities are available to rent for parties,
events, and other activities. Some office space
is also available to rent for a nominal fee. A
number of community events, including
Winterfest, monthly concerts, and other
activities, are held at the Kaliseum.
Facilities include:





Physical Activity Room/Fitness Center
Conference Room
Multi Purpose Room
Lap pool – 25’ yard pool, 3’6” deep
Leisure pool – spa jets, rain umbrella, play
fountains, and waterslide – 0-3’ deep
 Ice Rink
Accessibility Assessment = 3
Public input on the Kaliseum focused on
maintenance, management, and suggested
improvements to locker rooms and restrooms.
Page 23
Kalkaska County Civic Center
& Fairgrounds
energy audit was recently conducted for the
Civic Center building, which found that heating
the building during the winter months is costprohibitive.
DRAFT
The Kalkaska County Civic Center and
Fairgrounds are located on a 6.5 acre complex
that includes a variety of amenities that are
used year-round and as the site of the Kalkaska
County Fair, which is held annually in July. The
Fairgrounds includes baseball diamonds, soccer
fields, an arena with bleachers, a horse arena,
livestock buildings, a concession stand, and
picnic areas; indoor exhibit, event, and meeting
space is available in the Civic Center building. A
community garden is also located on the
Fairgrounds site; produce raised in the garden
is donated to the Kalkaska Senior Center.
A number of community events, including the
Kalkaska Trout Festival, Winterfest, monthly
concerts, outdoor movies, and other
community-oriented
activities
such
as
fundraising events, are held at the fairgrounds.
Public input focused on the need for
improvements or renovation to the Civic
Center building, as well as interest in seeing the
building used for more activities. Input also
included a number of suggestions for improved
lighting at the athletic fields, and some
suggested general improvements regarding the
cleanliness and condition of the Civic Center
building.
Facilities include:
 Community Garden
 Arena
 Kalkaska Area Recreational Trail (KART)
 Ball Diamonds
 Soccer Fields
 Horse arena
The Civic Center building and fairgrounds are
primarily used in the summer months. An
Page 24
DRAFT
Page 25
“Boardman River Nature Trail” to the south of
the Village of Kalkaska. Other suggested
additions to the KART trail would include
linkages to Village-owned forest property and
provide linkages to Chalker Park and Log Lake
Campground.
Kalkaska Area Recreational
Transportation (KART)
Public input received during the planning
process indicated that the KART Trail is one of
the most regularly used parks facilities, and
reflected a high level of satisfaction with the
trail. Most suggested improvements focused on
potential connections to other trail systems or
parks, or expansion/extension of the existing
trail.
DRAFT
The Kalkaska Area Recreational Transportation
(KART) Trail is a 2-mile long, paved, nonmotorized trail that loops around the Kalkaska
County Fairgrounds, Kaliseum, Kalkaska Public
Schools, and Kalkaska County administrative
buildings. Residents and visitors can access the
trail at the Kalkaska County Fairgrounds for
walking, running, bicycling, skiing, and
snowshoeing.
The trail was constructed in 2007 with funding
from Michigan Department of Transportation
(MDOT) grants and local match from KART
partners, including the Village of Kalkaska and
Kalkaska County. Ownership and maintenance
responsibilities are shared by Kalkaska County,
the Village of Kalkaska, Kalkaska Public Schools,
and MDOT. Volunteers provide some
assistance with maintenance and landscaping.
Facilities include:

Paved trail

Landscaping

Water fountains

Dog waste bag dispensers
Accessibility Assessment
The facility was developed using the principals
of universal design.
The existing trail was intended to be Phase 1.
Phase 2 of the trail would extend to a planned
Page 26
Log Lake Campground
Log Lake Campground offers 40 wooded
campsites, with electric, sewer available on 10
sites. The campground and park are located on
a 92.3 acre site, which was willed to Kalkaska
County with the provision that the property
always be used as a County facility.
accolades on recent improvements as well as
some concerns regarding the condition and
management of the facility. Comments were
also received regarding the disc golf course,
with suggestions that the disc golf amenities be
upgraded to meet competition specifications.
DRAFT
Pavilions are available to rent, and playground
equipment, restrooms, a disc golf course, ball
fields, soccer field, boat launch, and swimming
beach are available to visitors. The property is
used for local events such as the K-Town Ice
Classic, a disc golf tournament.
Maintenance and operational costs are funded
by user fees. Seasonal contract staff provides
assistance
with
maintenance
and
administrative activities.
Public input indicates the park’s beach,
pavilion, and disc golf are more often used by
residents than the campground, which is
primarily used by visitors. Comments included
Facilities include:
 Campsites (40)
 Camp store
 Public swimming beach
 Picnic area / Pavilions
 Disc golf / Nature trail
 Boat Launch / Fishing area
 Playground
 Ball Diamonds
 Soccer Fields
 Horseshoe Pits
 Showers
 Restrooms
 Movie screen
Page 27
DRAFT
Page 28
Rugg Pond Natural Area
Rugg Pond is a small park providing fishing and
hiking access, located at the convergence of
the two branches of the Rapid River, northwest
of Kalkaska. Rugg Pond was formed following
the construction of a dam built in 1904 for the
Kalkaska Light and Power Company, which was
eventually turned over to Kalkaska County for
$1 in 1953. The dam was condemned by the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 1980. In 1982,
a number of concerned citizens formed a group
called ‘Save Rugg Pond Natural Area,’ to ensure
the preservation and continued access to the
scenic, historic site, which may once have been
used for fishing by author Ernest Hemingway.
Rugg Pond Natural Area was identified during
the recreation planning process as one of the
most-used parks in the County. Public input
regarding Rugg Pond was positive and
supportive of preserving the park in its current
state, with some suggestions to extend the trail
all the way around the pond, or to connect
with nearby trails.
DRAFT
Rugg Pond park includes a trail, scenic
overlook, fishing access, and a small boat
launch. There is a trail network that extends
almost around the entire perimeter of the
pond; however, the trails are not maintained
and mostly used for fishing. No restrooms are
present. The Rugg Pond property also includes
the surrounding wetland area.
Facilities include:
 ¼ mile trail
 Boat launch
 Fishing access
 Scenic Overlook
Page 29
Vision, Goals,
and , and…
Objectives,
DRAFT
Page 30
County Road Ends
County road-ends provide water access to
several lakes in the County. While these are not
developed parks, they are County-owned
public properties that provide an important
recreational access to lakes in the County. Road
-end public access is primarily used by
neighborhoods. In some cases, improvements
such as benches or fire hydrants may be
considered. Road-end public access points are
located on lakes and streets including:
DRAFT

East Lake

Manistee Lake

South Torch Lake

Birch Street

Oak Street

Maple Street

Pine Street

Cedar Street

Division Street

Lake Street
Page 31
Regional Recreational Assets
A wide variety of public and private recreation
opportunities are available within Kalkaska
County and a short distance away from the
County. Townships and the Village of Kalkaska
maintain local parks and recreation facilities,
while numerous state and federal parks,
including campgrounds, boat launches, state
and federal forest land, and the Sleeping Bear
Dunes National Lakeshore are located within or
near the County. Private recreation facilities,
including golf courses, casinos, campgrounds,
numerous shopping opportunities, and
statewide attractions such as the Interlochen
Center for the Arts and Boyne Mountain Ski
Resort are available in the County and
regionally.
primarily used for the military, a significant
majority of public land is available for public
use. About 153,255 acres, or 42% of Kalkaska
County’s total acreage, is owned by the State of
Michigan. State-owned acreage is primarily
part of the Pere Marquette State Forest. See
Table 5, page 36, for recreational opportunities
in Kalkaska managed by the State of Michigan.
Township & Village Recreational Facilities
The Village of Kalkaska and many townships
own and maintain community parks, recreation
facilities, and trails that are available to the
public. See Table 6 (page 36).
DRAFT
Trails

State and Federal Land
Nearly half of Kalkaska County’s total land
acreage is in public ownership. While about 7%
of that (16,526 acres) is federally owned and is




Page 32
Boardman Valley Snowmobile Trail. The
Boardman Valley Snowmobile Trail
provides 25 miles of groomed and marked
snowmobile trail in southern and western
Kalkaska County.
Cranberry
Snowmobile
Trail.
The
Cranberry Snowmobile Trail provides 28
miles of groomed and marked snowmobile
trails in northern and eastern Kalkaska
County.
Kalkaska Cycle Trail. The Kalkaska Cycle
Trail is an 89 mile ORV trail that extends
from Kalkaska north into Antrim County.
Leetsville Cycle Trail. The Leetsville Cycle
Trail is a 23 mile single-track ORV trail
running through northern Kalkaska County.
Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail. The
Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail (MCCCT)
covers hundreds of miles and connects


many trail systems throughout Michigan’s
lower peninsula. The MCCT trail is designed
for off-road motorcycles and runs through
western and northern Kalkaska County.
Miss-Kal Snowmobile Trail. The Miss-Kal
Snowmobile Trail is a 70-mile groomed and
marked snowmobile trail that crosses into
Kalkaska County from Missaukee County to
the south.
North Country Trail. The North Country
Trail is a National Scenic Trail, stretching
4,600 miles over 7 states, from New York to
North Dakota. 10 national forests, and
more than 150 public lands, the North
Country Trail is the largest National Scenic
Trail in the US. In Kalkaska County, the trail
runs roughly southwest to east, with
parking access at the Kalkaska County
Fairgrounds and Log Lake Campground.
The Grand Traverse Hiking Club
is
responsible for developing, maintaining,
protecting, and promoting this section of
the North Country Trail.
Shore-to-Shore Trail. The Shore-to-Shore
Trail is a 220-mile horseback/hiking trail
that runs between Empire to Oscoda,
Michigan. A trail camp is available along
the Rapid River in Kalkaska County. The
Michigan Trail Riders Association works in
partnership with the MDNR and National
Forest Service to provide maintenance and
promotional activities for the trail.
Mountain Bike Trail. A new mountain bike
trail system that would provide
connections between the Village of
Kalkaska and Grand Traverse County is
currently pending approval from the State
of Michigan (2013).
DRAFT


Other Facilities/Activities
Many other private facilities and activities are
available in Kalkaska County, including
numerous private youth camps, museums,
nature centers, campgrounds, golf courses,
cross country skiing, snowmobile clubs,
horseback riding, fishing charters, and boat
rentals. Hunting is available at different parks
throughout the County. Please check with the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources for
rules and regulations on hunting and fishing
and the specific township for details.
Page 33
Table 5. State of Michigan Recreation Facilities
Facility
Description and Activities
Pere Marquette State
The Pere Marquette State Forest encompasses lands in the
Forest
upper lower peninsula on the western side of the state.
Counties within the Pere Marquette, are: Kalkaska, Benzie,
Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee,
Mason, Lake, Osceola, Oceana, Newaygo and Mecosta.
Guernsey Lake State Forest Fishing, hiking, mountain biking, ORV trails, wildlife/
Campground
birdwatching, boat launch, 36 rustic campsites, vault toilets,
well hand pump
CCC Bridge State Forest
Fishing, canoeing/kayaking, ORV trails, wildlife/birdwatching,
Campground
boat launch, 32 rustic campsites, vault toilets, well hand pump
Pickerel Lake State Forest
Campground
Sand Lake Quiet Area
Torch River Boat Launch
Manistee River Boat
Launch
Manistee River Boat
Launch
Manistee River Boat
Launch
Cranberry Lake Boat
Launch
East Lake Boat Launch
Bear Lake Boat Launch
Fishing, ORV trails, boat launch, wildlife/birdwatching, 13
rustic campsites, vault toilets, well hand pump
Hiking, 36 rustic campsites, cross-country skiing, hunting,
fishing, mountain biking
Boat launch
Acres
177,0
00
Kalkaska
Township
Oliver Township
Garfield Township
2,800
acres
Paved boat launch, parking
Springfield
Township
Boat launch, parking
Springfield
Township
Garfield Township
Oliver Township
Bear Lake
Township
Orange Township
DRAFT
Paved boat launch
Big Blue Lake
Paved boat launch, skid pier, public toilet, parking
Bear Lake
Township
Blue Lake
Big Twin Lake
Paved boat launch, skid pier, public toilet, parking
Cold Springs Twp
Yellow Tree
Boat launch
Bear Lake Twp
Hole in the Fence
Boat launch
Bear Lake Twp
Sharon Road
Boat launch
Garfield Twp
Sandbanks
Boat launch, public toilet
Garfield Twp
Rainbow Jim’s
Boat launch, public toilet
Springfield Twp
3 Mile Road
Boat launch
Garfield Twp
4 Mile Bend
Boat launch
Oliver Twp
Seven Bridges
Fishing, hiking, wildlife/birdwatching, hunting
314
acres
Valley Road North
Skegemog Swamp Pathway
Boardwalk, birdwatching, wildlife viewing
2700
acres
Rapid City Road
Starvation Lake
Page 34
Table 6. Township and Village Parks and Recreation Facilities
Location
Blue Lake Township
Manistee Lake
Swimming Access
Boardman Township
Swimming access
Township Park #13
Baseball diamond, basketball court, swings, volleyball court
School Street
Township Park #2
Picnic tables, grills
Township Park #3
Picnic tables, grill, Mill Pond, fishing, dam
Township Park #4
Lighted baseball diamond, swings, outdoor bathrooms,
concession stand, picnic pavilion, outdoor grills, picnic tables.
Near railroad tracks
across from post office
Young’s Pond, on Mill
Street
Boardman River Rd
Clearwater Township
Clearwater Township
Park
Freedom Park
½ mile paved walking trail, baseball diamonds, soccer field,
pavilion
Pavilions, playground, outdoor grills, baseball diamond, rustic
trails to Rapid River, outdoor toilets
Rapid City Rd
Heritage Park
Baseball diamonds, picnicking, open space, play equipment
Rapid City
Lake access, picnicking, swimming beach, boat launch
Manistee Lake
DRAFT
Rapid City Rd
Coldsprings Township
Sands Park
Garfield Township
Garfield Township Park
Baseball diamonds
Village of Kalkaska
Mill Pond Park
Small picnic area, parking lot, playground, farmers market
Hyde Street, Kalkaska
Chalker Park
Imagination Station (playground), sledding hill, picnic gazebo,
restroom facilities, basketball courts, parking.
Community building located at a snowmobile trailhead that
includes a kitchen and seating area.
5th/Laurel Street,
Kalkaska
Island Lake Road,
Kalkaska
Play structure, well, parking,
Phelps Rd, Rapid City
Walking paths, wildlife viewing
Priest Rd, Rapid River
Township
Snowpackers
Clubhouse/Trailhead
Rapid River Township
Rapid River Township
Community Park
Croy Lake
SpringfieldTownship
Springfield Township
Recreation Center
Manistee River overlook, playground, pavilion, summertime
farmers market, sledding hills, heated pavilion, community
event center
Page 35
Chapter 4: Planning & Public Input
and comments regarding general recreational
issues are summarized below.
Public Input
To obtain residents’ and property owners’
opinions and suggestions on recreation, a
number of opportunities for public input were
provided throughout the Recreation Plan
process, including a questionnaire, a public
forum, and discussions at regular Parks and
Recreation Committee meetings.
2012
Kalkaska
Questionnaire
County
Recreation

Grants were identified as the most popular
funding mechanism for recreation activities
or improvements, with nearly 90% of
respondents indicating that they would
support grants for these activities, followed
by community endowment, with 65% of
respondents supporting.

The library ranked highest in question #5,
which asked what recreation opportunities
were important (80%). Following the
library, natural area parks and trails were
ranked highest. Trails were also frequently
noted in comments, with some general
comments suggesting trail expansions or
connections and other suggestions relative
to specific trail segments. Trails also ranked
highly in question #6, which asked for
opinions on new or expanded recreation
opportunities. Over half of respondents
answered that they would like to see new
or expanded natural area parks or trails
(58.6%), regional or community trail
connections (56.5%), and non-motorized
trails (55%).
DRAFT
The Kalkaska County Parks and Recreation
Committee
released
a
Recreation
Questionnaire in November 2012, in order to
better
understand
the
community’s
preferences around parks and recreation. The
questionnaire was not designed as a
scientifically valid random-sample survey.
Rather, the intent was to provide the
opportunity for as many residents, property
owners, and visitors to participate in the survey
as possible. To this end, a total of 7,947
surveys were mailed the week of November 21
to all addresses in Kalkaska County; surveys
were also made available online, and were
handed out at grocery stores and other
locations in Kalkaska County. Recipients were
asked to return their surveys by December 21.
341 surveys were returned. Results and
comments specific to each park are
summarized in Chapter 3 under each respective
park; a report and overview of questionnaire
responses is included in Appendix A. Results

Page 36
The library ranked highest in question #6,
which asked what new or expanded
recreation opportunities participants would
like to see in Kalkaska County (72%).
Additionally, a large number of comments
were provided on the library. The majority
of comments expressed interest or support
for a library expansion, or reinforced the
Planning & Public Input
importance of the library. Following the
library, performing arts events and venues
and community festivals (58.4%) were the
highest ranking recreation choice in
question #6.

Maintenance or cleanliness, along with
general improvements, were cited in a
number of comments for several facilities.
“Improvements to existing parks” ranked
highly in both questions #5 and #6, which
asked about importance of and new/
expanded recreation opportunities.
Public Comment Period
The County Board of Commissioners must
release and announce the Recreation Plan for a
30-day public review period. Dates will be
identified.
Public Hearing and Adoption
The Planning Commission will make a
recommendation to the County Board of
Commissioners regarding adoption of the
Recreation Plan. The County Board will hold a
public hearing and will consider adoption
following the public hearing (at the same or a
subsequent meeting).
DRAFT
January 22 Public Forum
A public forum was held on Tuesday, January
22, 2013 in the Kaliseum. The event was
promoted in the Leader-Kalkaskian newspaper,
with additional promotion from social media
and viral networking. Approximately 30 people
attended. A presentation was provided to
participants regarding the recreation plan
process and the results of the Kalkaska County
Recreation Questionnaire. Following the
presentation, participants provided comments
and identified priorities for each of the
County’s recreation facilities, as well as for
general recreation opportunities such as Trails;
Performing Arts, Festivals, and Events; Skate
Park; and Library.
Kalkaska County Master Plan
Recreation is a primary focus of the 2010
Master Plan, with recognizes the significant
impact that natural resources provide on the
County’s recreation opportunities, and
subsequently, quality of life and economy.
Guiding Principle #11 (below) provides
guidance and policies for protecting natural
resources with these factors in mind:
Comments largely reinforced those received on
the Kalkaska County Recreation Questionnaire.
Complete comments are included in Appendix
A.
Page 37
purchasing land.
Guiding Principle #11: Highlight the fact that
Kalkaska County is a playground. People live
and visit the County to enjoy the many
recreational amenities such as snowmobiling,
fishing, hunting, camping, canoeing, hiking,
biking, cross country skiing, rafting, and ATV
riding. The huge amount of State-owned land
and the clean, pristine rivers provide these
great recreation opportunities and add to the
quality of life. This is a place to play.

Use land conservancies and conservation
easements to protect open space and
recreation-oriented areas.

Be familiar with the State’s plan for State
owned lands and support initiatives for land
preservation.

Support eco-tourism (tourism based on
natural resources) as an economic support
for the County, but don’t overuse the
resources.

Maintain the quality of the rivers and
streams to continue to provide pleasant
recreational experiences.

Encourage the development of State,
County, and Township improved parks and
facilities within the County.
DRAFT
Policies:
The following are the policies
highlighting Kalkaska County as a playground.

Prevent the over-development of these
resources.

Promote regulations that respect and
protect the quality of the land, water,
plants, and animals.

Ensure that Township and Village Master
Plans address these amenities and their
protection.

Utilize the Recreation and Open Space Plan
when making land use decisions and
The Master Plan also provides designations and
recommendations for Forest Areas, Recreation
Stream Corridor Land Uses, and Special
Purpose Areas that provide recommendations
for actions regarding recreation and
preservation of high-quality natural resources
(see page ).
2008
Regional
NonMotorized
Transportation
Plan
In 2008, the Northwest Michigan Council of
Governments developed the Northwest
Page 38
Michigan
Regional
Non-Motorized
Transportation Plan and Investment Strategy
for the 13 counties of Emmet, Charlevoix,
Antrim, Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska,
Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee,
Osceola, Lake, and Mason in northwest, lower
Michigan.
The Michigan Department of
Transportation commissioned the plan and will
use it to prioritize funding projects in the
future. The guiding vision of this project is to


connect existing trails, offering residents and
visitors more opportunities for non-motorized
transportation, and to enjoy more of the
region's natural resources.
Create a trail from Kalkaska to the
Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Sand Lakes Quiet Area to VASA Trail (TART
Trails)
Create a trail from Wilhelm Road south to
M-72 on the railroad right-of-way
DRAFT
The project gathered information on existing
and future trails from the county, townships,
and village parks and recreation commissions,
planning commissions and staff, and board
members. Sub-regional meetings took place
with trail organizations, groups, and
stakeholders to review the proposed trail maps
for their input. Compiled maps were presented
to the public at sub-regional trail gatherings for
input and where the proposed trails were
prioritized. Proposed routes for Kalkaska
County were as follows:



Create a trail from Fife Lake to Mancelona
through Kalkaska
Create a trail from Kalkaska to Rapid City
through the Seven Bridges Natural Area
Create a trail from Kalkaska to
Williamsburg to the TART Trails
Page 39
Kalkaska County Master Plan—Land Use Visions & Action Steps
Forest Land Use Designation—Vision
 Primary use is open space and recreation
 Is a beautiful and heavily forested area
 Healthy wildlife and excellent water quality
Recreation Stream Corridor—Vision
 Minimal development along the Rapid River, Boardman River, and Manistee River edges and
their tributaries
 Visually appealing area
 Inter-mixed public and private owned lands along river edges
 Mix of year round, seasonal, and resort occupancy. Single family development permitted here.
 Bountiful fish in the rivers and streams
 Sensitive and sustainable environmental area
 Critical and protected wildlife corridor
 Preservation of natural vegetation to provide shade for the rivers and their tributaries
Recreation Stream Corridor—Action Steps
 Develop and use a wildlife and water quality protection plan.
 Keep impervious surfaces such as driveways, sidewalks, and rooftops away from the water’s
edge.
 Minimize infrastructure improvements. Only permit improvements for environmental or public
health and safety reasons, not to increase density.
 Prohibit keyholing.
 Develop a zoning provision protecting these areas.
Special Purpose Land Use—Vision
 Government or publically owned lands
 Compatible with the Forested Land Uses
 Low impact development
 Used recreationally
Special Purpose Areas—Action Steps
 Know and understand the future plans for the area. Communicate often with the Federal and
State government.
 Zone the area to be compatible with the adjacent forested land uses.
 Limit infrastructure improvements.
 Think of this area as primarily recreational and not for residential uses
DRAFT
Page 40
DRAFT
Page 41
DRAFT
Page 42
Chapter 5: Goals, Objectives, and Action Plan
The vision, goals, objectives, and action
strategies are intended to guide future
decisions about recreation in a manner that
reflects the community’s values and priorities.
These goals were developed based on review
of existing facilities and public input obtained
through:

2012
Kalkaska
Questionnaire

January 22 Public Forum

Regular meetings of the Kalkaska County
Parks and Recreation Committee
County
Recreation
Vision
Kalkaska County’s recreation opportunities are
high-quality, popular attractions for both
residents and visitors. Residents, user groups,
volunteers, local and County governments, and
local, state, and federal partner organizations
work in tandem to ensure that facilities are well
-maintained, activities are coordinated
amongst partners and user groups, and
improvements and management are costeffective. The County’s abundant recreation
opportunities are a well-recognized asset that
help drive and support economic development
activities County-wide, while enhancing the
community’s quality of life and sense of place.
DRAFT
In addition to public input, other County and
regional plans and strategies have been
reviewed to ensure that goals, objectives, and
action are consistent with and aligned with
other County goals and priorities.
Definitions
In order to appropriately administer goals, objectives and strategies—and to ensure that progress is
being made towards the community’s vision—it’s important to understand the roles of each and
their relationship to each other.


Vision is the preferred future , and serves as the basis for planning goals and objectives.
Goals provide general direction and serve as a description of the desired future. They address
issues and specific needs, but are broad in scope.


Objectives are a means of achieving goals, and are attainable.
Action Strategies set forth the specifics necessary to accomplish objectives. One strategy
might be used to accomplish multiple objectives; or an objective might require multiple strategies. Action strategies identify implementation tools (such as zoning changes) and the players
involved in meeting goals and objectives.
Page 43
Goal #1: Provide cost-effective, responsive, efficient recreation services and
facilities.
Timeframe
Objective
Pursue grant funding for planned recreation improvements.
Action
Work with County Board and cell tower stakeholders to find alternative
locations for cell tower.
2013
Action
To ensure grant funding eligibility through the Michigan Department of
Natural Resources, by removing the cell phone tower currently located
on recreation property and relocate on nearby property.
Maintain an updated 5-year recreation plan for the purposes of guiding
recreation activities and to help ensure grant funding eligibility through
the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
2014-2017
Action
Ongoing
Action
Link fundraising activities with marketing efforts.
Action
Partner with local units of governments, nonprofits, and other
Ongoing
stakeholders to recognize mutual goals and interests to leverage
funding opportunities.
Explore establishment of a community endowment to support recreation activities in
Kalkaska
Work with Grand Traverse Community Foundation and community
2013
partners to establish a Kalkaska County endowment fund.
Objective
Action
Action
DRAFT
Develop a funding strategy to guide fundraising efforts and identify
funding opportunities for recreation activities.
Ongoing
2013
Goal #2: Maintain and improve existing parks.
Timeframe
Objective
Action
Action
Action
Ensure a high level of maintenance and management at all parks and recreation
facilities.
Provide for ongoing funding to provide maintenance and improvements
Ongoing
at County parks and recreation facilities.
Regularly review maintenance and improvement needs to determine
Ongoing
appropriate staffing and funding levels.
Support “adopt a park” programs or other volunteer programs to meet
Ongoing
specific maintenance and update needs at all parks.
Page 44
Goals, Objectives, & Actions
Goal #2: Maintain and improve existing parks (continued)
Timeframe
Objective
Provide improvements to existing parks and recreation facilities as needed.
Rugg Pond Natural Area
Action
Coordinate with Rugg Pond Natural Area Committee regarding all Rugg Pond
activities.
Action
Address maintenance items identified in the dam inspection report.
Action
Maintain the existing natural area character of Rugg Pond.
Action
Extend walking trail in a loop around Rugg Pond.
Action
Explore potential for connecting walking trail with other trail systems/parks.
Ongoing
2013
Ongoing
2013-2017
2013-2017
Action
Explore feasibility and impacts of dredging or deepening Rugg Pond.
2013-2017
Action
Provide/maintain/improve basic site amenities, such as picnic tables, grills, and
restrooms/portable toilets.
2013-2017
2013-2014
Action
Determine desired needs and uses for Civic Center for potential renovation/
improvements.
Improve aesthetics/condition of all Civic Center buildings.
Action
Provide lighting in Civic Center athletic fields.
2013+
Action
Work with partners to promote and expand the use of the Civic Center, through
additional events or activities.
Ongoing
Action
Maintain and improve recreational facilities as needed.
Ongoing
Action
Determine needs and uses for multi-purpose room and fitness room
improvements.
Provide upgrades/improvements to Kaliseum locker rooms and restrooms.
2013-2014
Maintain and improve trail facilities and provide quality, long-lasting amenities,
including benches, dog waste bag dispensers, and landscaping as needed.
Develop and execute updated maintenance agreements between Kalkaska
Village, Kalkaska County, and the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Plant trees along the KART Trail.
Ongoing
Civic Center
Action
Kaliseum
Action
DRAFT
2014+
2014-2017
KART Trail
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Continue to work with volunteers and partners to provide landscaping/
maintenance assistance.
Work with partners to pursue funding to implement connections to the
Boardman River Nature Trail.
Pursue KART Trail linkages to additional trail systems.
2013
2013
Ongoing
2013-2017
2013-2017
Log Lake Campground
Action
2013
Action
Maintain and improve park amenities as needed, including disc golf baskets,
picnic tables and grills, pavilions, and play structures.
Provide and maintain disc golf baskets/facilities that meet specifications for
competitions.
Provide separate restrooms for beach area.
Action
Review land uses and management for entire Log Lake property.
2013
Action
Page 45
Ongoing
2013-2017
Goal #3: Provide a variety of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities,
that meet the community’s existing and future needs.
Timeframe
Objective
Ensure a diverse range of recreation opportunities throughout the County.
Action
Develop a campus plan for the recreational campus and facilities at the
Kaliseum and Civic Center/Fairgrounds.
2013-2017
Action
Encourage cooperation between federal, state, and local governments to
further improve and expand opportunities at local park facilities.
Ongoing
Action
Continue to work with partner organizations to facilitate and further
recreational programs for all population groups.
Support township and village recreation planning and improvement
activities through in-kind assistance or funding support.
Explore appropriate locations to expand/enhance existing parks and
recreation facilities as needed.
Ongoing
Action
Action
Action
Objective
Action
Action
Action
Objective
Action
Action
Objective
Action
Action
Ongoing
Ongoing
Include major events and festivals, including the Trout Festival,
Winterfest, County Fair, Iceman Cometh, and other major events, in all
recreation facility planning activities.
Ensure high-quality natural areas for outdoor recreation.
Ongoing
Continue to work with partners to protect and manage natural areas for
outdoor recreation opportunities.
Explore opportunities to expand or enhance natural areas/preserves for
outdoor recreation.
Ongoing
Provide for universal accessibility when acquiring and improving parks
and recreation facilities.
Ensure parks and recreation facilities are accessible to all users.
Ensure access for disabled by adding barrier-free features at all parks as
needed.
Work to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act requirements at
all existing and new park and recreational facilities.
Support the development of a skate park in Kalkaska County
Ongoing
Support efforts to establish a temporary skate park on publicly-owned
property.
Work with partners and volunteer groups to seek grant funding and
donations to establish a permanent skate park on County-owned
property.
2013
DRAFT
Page 46
Ongoing
2013-2017
Ongoing
2014-2017
Goal #4: Develop and promote an interconnected system of both motorized
and non-motorized trails to enhance access to additional recreation
opportunities.
Timeframe
Objective
Coordinate trail usage groups, goals, and activities.
Action
Convene a “Kalkaska Trails Task Force,” with representatives from user
groups, County, local governments, and state and federal agencies in
order to coordinate user groups and priorities.
2013
Action
Work with partner organizations and volunteer groups to support
community trail-building and maintenance efforts.
Consider consistent signage for trails.
Ongoing
Action
Objective
Action
Objective
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Ongoing
Promote and market trail information via information resources, social media,
events and activities.
Work with and support volunteers, partner organizations, and trail
Ongoing
user groups to provide guided hikes, races, and other trail-based
events and activities.
DRAFT
Develop an interconnected system of trailways that link communities, parks, and
existing trails.
Support the implementation/approval of the new mountain bike trail
2013
system in eastern Kalkaska County (approval pending).
Work with/support the “Kalkaska Trails Task Force” to develop a
Ongoing
prioritized action strategy for future improvements and trail
connections.
Identify gaps/linkage needs in existing trailway systems.
Ongoing
Explore opportunities and pursue funding to create linkages between
trail systems.
Work with local governments and partner organizations to expand
existing trail networks and create linkages to local parks and recreation
facilities.
Ongoing
Develop relationships/partnerships with regional trail organizations to
explore additional opportunities for trail connections and
enhancement.
2013ongoing
Page 47
Ongoing
Goal #5: Increase the use and awareness of County-wide parks, recreation
facilities, and community recreation events and activities.
Objective
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Action
Objective
Action
Action
Action
Action
Objective
Action
Action
Timeframe
Work with partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to develop a communications/
marketing strategy and campaign for all County parks, recreation facilities, and
community events and activities.
Develop a subcommittee of the Parks and Recreation Committee to
2013
address public relations/awareness needs county-wide
Develop social media resources, brochures, and print resources for
2013-2017
distribution to community partners and media outlets.
Provide updated information, contact information, and user-friendly
2013
features on the recreation website on www.kalkaskacounty.net.
Identify and solicity partners to provide updated and timely
Ongoing
information to existing community information resources, such as
websites, the Kalkaska Answer Book, newspapers, and other local
sources.
Seek support and assistance from partners such as the Traverse City
Ongoing
Area Chamber of Commerce and state and federal agencies to
promote County recreational assets.
Create a central informational site of all the County’s parks and
2013-2017
recreational facilities, such as a website or printed material.
Work with volunteers and stakeholders to organize events that showcase County
parks and recreation facilities.
Continue to support local/regional/statewide festivals, sporting
Ongoing
events, tournaments, and races at County parks and recreation
facilities
Identify and solicit volunteers and stakeholders to organize nature
Ongoing
education, such as guided hikes and birdwatching events.
DRAFT
Provide regular tours/orientation events for residents and visitors.
Ongoing
Support and promote geo-caching opportunities at County parks and 2013-2017
recreation facilities.
Develop physical and visual linkages between federal, state, county, township, and
village parks.
Provide consistent signage/brand for all parks and recreation
facilities.
Encourage and support trail connections between parks.
Page 48
2013-2017
Ongoing
Appendices
Appendix A:
2012 Kalkaska County Recreation Questionnaire—Report & Results
Appendix B:
Legal Notices
DRAFT
Appendix D:
Recreation Budgets
Appendix C:
Resolution of Adoption
Page 49
DRAFT
Page 50

Kalkaska County Recreational Plan

Transcription

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